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hi all,

Russian girls are weird. period.

So after my evening at the waterfront and a good night sleep, i had no dates anymore...since i'm leaving on friday i thought it maybe wouldn't be worth it to look for a potential wife again.
After a pretty boring day though i called the agency to set me up with one or 2 girls. It was too late though for that day, so i went to the waterfront again in hope to see Aliona. It pretty much sucked because everything was almost empty and after a shashlik i decided to check the club nearby(piranha). Almost no one there, and i wasn't feeling like making approaches that night so i left. After my traditonal meeting with the militsia i went home and slept.

Then i called the agency to see what they were up to with my meetings. I spoke to Jack(not Bragg, Scaline, ALIR owner) which had read my posts about Olga and suggested me they could call her to see if she was still interested or not. I agreed although i felt a little ankward to this since it felt like a 14 year old method(you ask to friends to check if all is ok..:)) In between Oksana was interested to meet me but actually i couldn't reach her at her place. So after trying to call Aliona and getting the same crazy woman again(i guess her neighbours, goddamm party lines) i called Jack again and he had his secretary to speak with Olga who said she was interested and that i should give her a call...

What the F**ck????

So I called her and she was really sweet on the phone, apparently glad to hear that i was ok, and wondered what i had been doing the last 2 days. Anyway, i set up a meeting at VOlzhky pizzeria with her for the same evening. Then i got news from Oksana who sent me an sms.
Called her, meeting tomorrow morning, tell you later what happened. Apparently this will be again a meeting where i'll have to use my dicitionary a lot because her english seems quite bad...

So...was slowly time for my meeting with Olga, so i took a cab, and arrived 10 minutes late. she was there waiting, and we met like 2 usual friends so nothing special. I was looking for the good moment to tell her what i thought when she started on the subject, and seemed a little pissed that i used the agency to clear my personal problems. She told me that if sth was wrong i should speak to her about it first, and didn't seem to understand why i thought she didn't want to meet me. Gosh wasn't that obvious???
So i clarified the situation and she explained me that was pretty much the way she was, that she was interested but she had a hard week and when i called her the sunday morning she was coming back from a terrible driving lesson with her father who nearly made her cry, thus her unusual mood.

Then i was p**ssywhipped again...I wanted to be  a bit cold and indifferent and have a reproach tone in my voice but i just couldn't...I'm such a bad actor in front of her...I just told her that i was expecting to some better reactions from her if she wanted us to continue. But now that i think about it i wasn't really as though as i wanted to be. (she just makes me melt with those little green eyes and that angel smile)

So we ate pizza and then went for a walk on the street(holding hands now) She took me to some romantic place but a silly russian had sh**tty music very loud in his car which broke a little the "magic", if magic there was.
Then on a square bench and then some kissing, instigated by me but to which she responded quite good. Then again a walk and then we came to her bus stop. She wanted to go back home and i was expecting her to come with me at the cab station. Then surprise she was going to take the bus there. I looked at her with a puzzled look and she asked me what i was thinking. I told her i didn't knew where the sputnik was(theater near the cab station). She laughed and told me that we had been at the same place same street one week earlier, and was surprised i didn;t remember how to get there by myself. Then she accompanied me and it's true that it wasn't far(200 m) and on the same street.
A few little goodbye kisses then near the cab station, and  she took her bus telling me to call her the next day(with lipstick everywhere on her face, was quite a funny sight unfortunately for her she didn't see i was showing that before getting on the bus)

So again i found a weird girl...I like her, there was a lot of improvement compared to what the last days have been, the only problem is there were those last days...Anyway i know i'll be back in Volgograd, and i don't want to get engaged or anythingg right now, so i guess i have nothing to lose if i go on with this relationship. Apparently she doesn't want a commitment right now either,  so everything perfect for now...no strings attached... Just a good test would have been if i had stayed one day more i would have been there for her sister wedding anniversary. If she had invited me it would be a really good sign. But she already knows i am leaving on friday:(((

If someone has a little test idea though it would be welcome

Till later,

Patrick

... in response to trip report part 5 , posted by genoramix on Aug 19, 2003

Thanks for the trip report!

... in response to trip report part 5 , posted by genoramix on Aug 19, 2003

Hey Patrick,

Thanks for the trip reports. So you had to take some heat. :))

Some people and their responses will be diplomatic and others will not and both approaches quite frankly have their values as well as their drawbacks. However, from your posts there is the appearance that you were not functioning totally in the real world to some degree but in the world of imagined reality so to speak. Hey, if it is true, (it also appeared to me that such was the case) it is something everyone goes through to varying degrees, some learn it faster than others, some never learn, some have it down pat and then have a brain fart and revert.

The point here is listen to what people have to say, don't get defensive, take everything with a grain of salt, be honest with yourself as to where there may be some truth and then correct your thinking where appropriate.

I once was a little like you or should I say as I perceive you, and I have gone through it all to the other side. I will give you some comments that have become my philosophy whether right or wrong. I also do not profess to understand women or to be any expert. This is merely behavior that I drifted into.

First of all, I never outwardly act impressed by a lady that I really do not know. I act as a gentleman and do the things that such does but do not act impressed no mater how hot she is and just take it in stride as though I could take her or leave her so to speak. It has to be a confidence that does not display anything that is viewed as arrogance whatsoever. For goodness sake, why should one act any different. The person behind that outwardly beauty, that you might be interested in has not yet revealed who she is. There is no reason to be impressed. She is nothing but an unknown entity at this point. She should be left with the subtle impression that she needs to impress you with who she is as exterior beauty will not seal the deal.

Until you know what is behind the package you should not show over interest. That only suggests that you are stupid and can fall for a pretty face and thus you are superficial. Women do not really like that at all at some level. They want to be liked for who they are even though they also want you to like them for their looks. They want to feel that they are the most beautiful woman in the world to you and there is a time for that, but it ain't now.

Just approach it like you would a business transaction assessing it all before biting/buying. You may complement her on her appearance and you should do so but, do not over do it. You should conduct yourself as though you expect to be with a woman that is as beautiful as her.

Never over chase a woman. (BTW - if it is not clear, all of these are rules that apply to the investigative process not an established relationship) Consider women who do not give you all the clues that they are interested as not being interested. I am not saying drop them but expect that you will but you are willing to give her a little more time to come around. Some women are slow out of the shoot for many reasons, so give a woman the opportunity to show you interest. Some are very interested but won't let you know right away either so, allow for that.

You need to feel that you deserve a beautiful woman in your heart. If you do not, it is not going to be as easy. You need to do a personal assessment and acknowledge your good points and pat yourself on the back as well as assess your weak points and take action to change so that weaknesses start to evolve to becoming strengths. This is something we should all be doing anyway for ourselves and not for a woman.

Ask a woman that is a friend who is honest what changes would make you more attractive to women. I did and boy did I discover a few things I did not wanna hear. If you get defensive about what you hear you ain't gonna change, you are going to justify what you are. That is exactly what I did at first. But darn, time proved the advice was correct. I just could not see myself as others did. Not an uncommon problem.

Good luck to you. Oh by the way. Let me you know a little known fact - LP is not a guy. She is one of the hottest things you will ever come across so take her advice. She is hear to help out all of us losers. :) so take her advice and you will do better.

Of course that is bull LOL but it could have been that way. His advice mirrors one lady friend I have and what would be her comments.

Good luck to you

... in response to () , posted by thesearch on Aug 22, 2003

... You talkin bout me?

lol, not a bad post Doc, a little touchy feely for me but nicely done. Lots of truth in there, especially when it comes to over-chasing them. Hell, I never chase them, I let them chase me while letting them think I'm chasing them. Works most times and if it doesn't, who cares? I consider them lucky to have had the oppurtunity. ;)

Your lady friend sounds interesting, I'd sure like to know what it was she said that you didn't want to hear. Frankly, I think yer a pretty good catch myself. Your other lady friend? Well, you two should get along great eh? If not, I should definately meet her. ;)

... in response to trip report part 5 , posted by genoramix on Aug 19, 2003

Why always at the "water-front","street-bench","beach" or "nite-club" etc.....

Why haven't you snatched one of these ladies you like,grabbed a bite "togo" along with a bottle or 2 of some high octane champgane and invited them back to "your' place for the night and see how things roll along...

Or better yet...Pick up some things at the open -air markets and take one back home with ya for a good ole-fashioned USA cooked meal along with a good back-up stash of alcohol for dessert...It's no mystery most R/W like to drink and it's a good excuse for them as to why they were so "loose" the nite before.........

Gee...All that way for a few lip-stik marks on the face...
I'd be totally "bummed-out" by now according to your story....Maybe even considering a "air-line penalty fee" for an early arrival back home....

No pun intended personally to YOU Patrick....
It's just what I'd be doing by now...
One thing's for sure...If I'm gonna hook up with a lady at "any" level,I'm gonna know get to know just how intimate and experienced she is or cab be "back at the ranch" before I will be making any type of opinion about her...

SHEEEEET,I could play games like you described at the local playground or near-by amusement park with-out all that traveling and expenses...Why all the way to there ???
A "lot" of the "mystery" you write about would have been answered in letters long before I arrived there to meet them....

... in response to Re: trip report part 5 - "GEEEESH&q..., posted by RickM on Aug 20, 2003

I think you armchair quarterbacks ought to leave your criticisms of Patrick’s reports to yourselves.  There’s nothing worse then a bunch of guys begging for trip reports and then attacking an author when he does post a report.  I would venture that most guys won’t post their experiences for fear of being hammered.  I would also bet that the majority of men on this board have not made “the trip” yet or have not been successful in their trip but still delight in finding fault.  I for one am always glad to read about someone’s adventures, and I will leave my opinions about their “dating style” to myself and be happy that someone is having a fun vacation and willing to share in such a public arena. That’s my 2 cents.   Thanks Patrick for your reports.

Mark

... in response to Re: Re: trip report part 5 - "GEEEE..., posted by tbirdjoy on Aug 20, 2003

Armchair q-back...????
Try again...Read "my" profile...Been there,done it and return for a month every year visiting her reltives all over the world...
And...Still married...Can't help but wonder Mark if "you'd" made things a little clearer from the beginning if "you'd"  be divorced from #1 or not and on your 2nd already...

This is NOT a game when a guy corresponds with a lady half-way across the world...goes through all the beauracratic red tape getting proper traveling documentations....Spends a "tidy-purse" on airfares,accomodations etc...
The post below me is 100% correct...This is NOT a GAME...And these ladies NEED a better example to realise that...

When I traveled to meet my "now" wife,I asked her "every question" you could imagine while writing her before I met her...I "knew" for her it wasn't a game or a "let's see what happens if I like you when you step of the plane" type of meeting...And you know what,if she'd never answered all them questions I asked her,I'd never went all the way to Central Asia just to meet her.As it turned out...By the time I got there to meet her there was "very little" left to imagination and chance...If it takes a million questions or a million photos or whatever,so be it...This is not a game for kids wanting to meet a foreigner on a maybe yes or maybe no whim...This is all about "lifetime" relationships and these gals need to realise a guys intentions and "HER" intentions "before" he arrives...That includes the ladies family and friends.They ALL should know about what is going on BEFORE you arrive if she is planning truthfully to leave them all behind and come live with YOU in the future.Sorry...I just don't see this method of developing a relationship as a "connect the dots as you go along" method....

No...Nothing in life has garauntees but I'd be dam if I'd travel half across the world to meet someone or more than one unless I felt the relationship was at least a little serious....I can have "casual" flings in my backyard...I don't need to travel half-way across the world to do that and help it become the "norm" for corresponding LONG-DISTANCE ladies....IT'S NOT A GAME...

... in response to Re: Re: Re: trip report part 5 - "G..., posted by RickM on Aug 21, 2003

I corresponded quite a bit with my current fiancee. Granted for only about 4 months but I wrote a LOT & called her every other day. We both knew quite a bit about each other. The only thing was the usual crap about no "chemistry" when we meet in person that we here about so much here. When we met at the airport it was as if we'd known each other for a long time. I knew by the time we had dinner THAT night that she was the one I wanted to spend the rest of my life with. I proposed to her the next day. Oh well, many here called me a fool & idiot & I don't remember what else. Or they said what is the rush. The rush? I met the girl of my dreams. Why would I waste time? I also don't adhere to the "grass is greener" philosphy everyone seems to have. "she is the only one you met. There could be many others..."etc. I for one am happy with my choice. To each his own. But it is NOT a game. She KNEW I was corresponding with others & she knew I COULD go see others. Her FAMILY knew about me. Her father picked me up with her at the airport I stayed at THEIR house during the duration of my stay. I WAS practically like one of the family. I felt extremely confortable with the methods I chose. Having had an eye opening experience the first time I was VERY prepared this second trip.

... in response to Re: Re: Re: trip report part 5 - "G..., posted by RickM on Aug 21, 2003

Rick,
Good post.
Hope all is well with
your bride and child.
WmGO

... in response to Re: Re:  "GEEEESH"........., posted by WmGo on Aug 21, 2003

eating lot's of hydro-tomatoes and growing like a weed....
What more can I say...;)
Thanks for the good wishes...Hope all is going well there....

... in response to Re: Re:  "GEEEESH"........., posted by WmGo on Aug 21, 2003

...off topic but what in the heck is goin on down there? Care to comment? Which side you on? Does it go or stay? I swear...you folks down in the Belt never cease to amaze me. ;-)

... in response to Hey WmGo..., posted by LP on Aug 21, 2003

I have mixed thoughts and feelings. The Chief Justice
is correct from a legal and historical perspective. Unfortuantely, post 60s federal caselaw began a new era in First Amendment jurisprudence - an era where the previous 350 years of American legal precedent and history was ignored as if it never happened.

The problem:  balancing the extremely important principle of obedience to court orders without totally abdicating Constitutional rights. The Chief sincerely feels that this is the one issue where the line has to be drawn against the several decade trend of cleansing the public realm from any vestige of religious (Bible) references. He is taking a lot of risk and could be removed from the bench. I know him personally and can say that he is acting out of sincere conviction - although don't be surprised if he runs for Governor three years from now.

Which side am I on? Well, ya know I got a little rebel and radical streak in me, and I do believe in States rights, and I do subscribe to the doctrines of nullification and interposition, and I do know and understand the nature and origin of the forces struggling here (suffice to say that the plaintiff forces are not Southern or religious)so, yeah, I support the actions of the Chief - hey, the state motto is " We dare defend our rights"! So why not?! I just love a spectacle :) Besides, what is life without a little risk taking?  Heck, I have been thinking about taking my YZ 250 down there and ride some high speed wheelies in front of the Judicial Building - I would get on world wide TV for sure! Can see it now: "Lawyer Rides Wheely for Ten Commandments, Gets Arrested after Massive Police Chase, Claims God Told Him to do it" :)

In the end the monument, which isn't hurting anyone , will probably get removed. I think the U.S. Supreme Court will decline to hear the case. The Decalogue does appear on the main doors to the chambers of that courtroom though. It will be next.

... in response to Hey LP.., posted by WmGo on Aug 22, 2003

and I share your convictions, as well.

... in response to Hey LP.., posted by WmGo on Aug 22, 2003

...I knew if anyone could give me a balanced opinion it would be you. The church and state thing is a tough nut to crack though, especially down there. It really reveals the demographics of that area pretty well.

Be interesting to see how it turns out, lets hope no one gets hurt. Maybe they need to call out the National Guard. Lol, where is Wallace when you really need him...

Fwiw, I think it oughta go. But hey, I live on a different planet. The situation simply couldn't happen in California, we've got too many other probelms to deal with these days. What scares me is people really think Arnie is gonna fix it...

I say you head on down and show 'em, you'd be the only sane one there. In fact, you and I are the only sane ones here...and sometimes I'm not really sure about you ;)

... in response to Fair nuff..., posted by LP on Aug 22, 2003

Why, LP?

I can't see how a basic premise of our culture should be cast aside for progressive/multi-cultural fiddle-faddle. The oft-repeated 'seperation of yada yad...' is at best: senile - despite the 'Gods' in the black robes.

You should know better; especially living in such an august establishment, as you do.

... in response to "I think it oughta go" , posted by BURKE89 on Aug 23, 2003

[This message has been edited by LP]

...how do you figure? I see nothing senile about the conditions set up by this country's founding fathers. If anything, they should be more strickly adhered to. The last thing this country should be is a morass of religious afflictions. Perhaps it's too late for that however. The last thing we need is to duplicate the misery of other places. Jeesh, we already have in some cases...look at the abortion issue. People have been killed over that and I don't mean unborns.

I respect WmGo's intelligence and perspective, he has demonstrated his savvy on many an occasion. That doesn't mean I agree with him. In fact in many respects I find him more blinded by the light than most. Still, he's an interesting measure of a man and I'll not be quick to dismiss him.

And exactly what 'august establishment' are you refering to? Oh, I see...you mean the Land of Fruits and Nuts? Well yeah, they're pretty tolerant around here but ya gotta remember, I'm not from around here. ;)

... in response to Basic premise?, posted by LP on Aug 23, 2003

Bueno, on your civility, sir.

Point is: I can't see, with your 'cultural angles,' how you can find the gentleman/judge from West Point' stance so abhorrent.

Why?

Your politics are written upon your sleeve, as mine are; however, you've an animosity against the 'South' that I don't happen to share.

LP, why must 'this granite slab' be placed away from prying eyes?

Is there something disturbing, written upon it, to the average individual in Alabama?

Once again: why must our culture be neutered?

Could it be the lovely nature of: New Dehli, Mexico City and, now, Jo-berg that you wish to emulate here (stretch, but you should get the gist)?

I'm at a loss in this regar...

PS: Yes, I was referring to N. Cal - where I just picked up my new Dogue de Bordeaux - with my banter.

... in response to 'Tis a kind LP respons..., posted by BURKE89 on Aug 28, 2003

...animosity towards the South, on the contrary. I have fond memories as a young military man stationed in the  South, my first real trek outside my home in New England. I have often opined that those folks are a gentle and hospitable lot, if not somewhat rigid in their beliefs. Are you talking about Texans? They ain't Sotherners, they're different...just ask them, they'll even admit it. (I won't even mention the moron at the helm in DC at this moment.)

I see the slab has been moved, as it should have been. I really don't care too much about the entire affair other than the curiosity about human behavior I possess. (After all, it's why I remain amongst you.) I guess I would say that there are many people in this country who do not subscribe to this particular form of worship and they should not have it foisted upon them in a public place. Nor should theirs be foisted upon others.

In addition, I feel the very nature of religious inflexability leads to poor decision making in politics, decisons that affect us all including those who believe in other forms of worship. If the South is allowed to do it then where will it stop? And how do you think they would respond to a large gay community such as we have in Northern Cal?

As I said, the founding father's principles should be more strickly followed, seperation of church and state is the real basic premise.
The country is cut into too many pieces as it is, it can no longer be "One Nation Under God" because it's no longer one nation. The entire concept is bad news in my opinion.

... in response to Fair nuff..., posted by LP on Aug 22, 2003

LP,

Not sure what you meant by "demographics", but to be sure the demographics of the Deep South is much deeper in terms of spirituality, courage, integrity and conviciton than the rest of the country. Yes, people more and more worship their false idols,particularly money, just like the rest of the country, but most still take the Living Word seriously.

Take a look at: Proverbs 1:7;9:10.

Have you made the Transaction, or are you still resisting? You know, once you make the Final Takefoff it is too late to make the deal. Trust not in riches.

Later

... in response to Re: Fair nuff..., posted by WmGo on Aug 23, 2003

...they're more apt to be swayed down younder, to blur the line between reality and beliefs. The clash can make for a lot of difficult to solve problems because of their convictions. Doesn't mean they're right, just means they're immovable...like a big rock. It takes more energy to bang big rocks together and you make a bigger mess than with the little ones. It gets even worse when the rocks are of different types...

No, I've not made the transaction. As you know, my problem lies with organized religion, not God. Aa an invention of man it continues to be the source of misery worldwide, as it has been for thousands of years.
I dunno...until people stop killin each other, unitl they stop making war in the name of religion, I'm gonna have a tough time swallowing that pill.

It's not that I need proof He's there, I see it all around me in the physical world. The way nature interacts, the incredible sophistication of it, this can't be a simple accident. Nor can His sense of humor. I mean come on: He makes us 95% water, makes it the number one thing we can't live without (even for a short time), then covers most of the Earth with water we can't drink? Whats up with that?

He makes us in different colors? Some black and some white? (That alone is great stuff if you think about it.) And what was He thinking when he made some of these animals? Examples of his wackiness are plentiful if you look for them. Nah, He's real alright...I just wish He'd head on down here and smack some folks around, this waitin until they die thing doesn't help the rest of us any.

Btw, I pray all the time. When I bring the power up on every departure I always recite the prayer made famous by Alan Shepard: "Lord, please don't let me screw up." ;)

... in response to Thats what I meant...., posted by LP on Aug 23, 2003

too!

I must admit: I share your convictions towards the concept of organized religion myself - on many fronts. However, despite all, it is our culture.

Your comments remind me of a recent 'pop' sent to me, from Spain & another from Croatia, on tolerance.

This - spoken from the law-abiding-, if I am the only one exhibiting the trait.

European culture be damned, eh?

I hope G.W.'s 'crew' doesn't F-up the 'new europe' as Truman's lads did the old one.

... in response to Thats what I meant...., posted by LP on Aug 23, 2003

Sounds like you got religion. LOL. I remember once i was doing NY - London when the plane hit an air pocket and fell a few hundred feet, for a few seconds there wasn't a single atheist on board.

BTW what's this air pocket about. Is this like a vacuum or what?

... in response to hey LP........, posted by Cold Warrior on Aug 23, 2003

[This message has been edited by LP]

..deleted. Off topic and served it's purpose.

... in response to lol...., posted by LP on Aug 23, 2003

Very comprehensive answer. Thank you. Now clear this up for me. Sometimes in flight my eardrums begins to hurt, this is cleared up if I swallow air.Is this due to changes in cabin air pressure?

... in response to Thanks a lot......, posted by Cold Warrior on Aug 23, 2003

[This message has been edited by LP]

....I don't wanna get too involved, I'm already off topic and I'd have to explain atmospheric pressure and it's origin, cabin pressure and how it's regulated, and some human anatomy. I don't wanna put people to sleep here, I'm sure they would much rather hear my rants on FSU issues ;) Besides, your not jerkin me around are you? You must have learned some of this in school.

Yes, it's due to cabin pressure. Or more correctly, Cold Warrior pressure. When you say your ears "sometimes" hurt, I'm assuming you mean mean during climbs and descents. The ocean of air we live at the bottom of is pressing down on us, gases have mass and are thus subject to the force of gravity. The pressure at sea level is roughly 14.7 pounds per square inch. In other words, a very tall column of air one inch square from sea level to space would weigh about 15 pounds. You're holding off about 20 tons of air pressure as you read this. You aren't crushed because the pressure inside you is equal to the outside. (Unless you had Mexican for dinner)

As we ascend the pressure drops because there is simply less air pushing down. (A stack of bricks would weigh less as you went up the stack) At 18,000 feet the pressure is 7 psi, only one half of what it was at sea level. This is a hostile enviornment for humans. (Btw, the O2 in the air is the same 21% from sea level to space but it's the pressure reduction that keeps you from getting enough.)

To overcome this (as well as the -55 C temps at altitude) we take air off of the engine compressor section (it's called bleed air) and pump it into the cabin. (This air is also very hot from being compressed in the engine, it gets cooled by a heat exchanger before it's piped in.) In effect we blow the plane up like a balloon and heat it at the same time. The air is always exiting out a big valve in the rear of the plane known as the outflow valve. It's never really closed, it modulates to maintain the pressure set by the cabin controller in the cockpit. The typical cabin pressure (or altitude as we call it) is around 8,000 feet. When you're flying at 35,000 feet the cabin pressure is held at what it would be if you were at 8,000 feet. Don't let anyone tell you the air in the cabin is recirculated, it's not (I'm ignoring the air conditioning packs for the moment) but it's very dry from being heated then cooled.

As the plane climbs and descends the outside pressure changes so the cabin controller maintains 8,000 feet. It does this pretty quickly and we can set it to do other things as well. Rememeber, the 8,000 foot pressure is not set on the ground, the plane isn't pressurized before departure. It's done as you climb. The problem is that sometimes *you* can't respond as fast. As you climb or descend the air will enter or leave your body so as to maintian equal pressure inside and out. If the cabin controller is working properly your body will have time to adjust but the controller must still maitain 8,000 feet as the palne quickly climbs. Sometimes it lags slightly behind.

The best path for these pressure changes are through your mouth and ears, through the eustachian tube. The eustachian tube connects the middle ear with the throat. This tube opens with swallowing or coughing to equalize pressure between the middle ear and the ambient pressure that is in your throat. If the air can't get in or out fast enough because you have a blockage or the cabin controller is screwy, you're gonna feel it. Sometimes it hurts, sometimes it feels good. (Other paths for equalization are through your butt and it's why the airlines are careful about what food they serve. You should also watch what you eat before a flight or you'll be dealin with that 300 pound chick in the next seat anyway.)

Whenever you swallow or do the so-called Valsalva Maneuver (where you hold your nose closed and try to blow), you're opening the tube and equalizing the pressure. SCUBA divers do the same thing for the same reasons. It's why you should be careful about flying with a head cold, ear infection, or if you're taking antihistamines. And Heaven help you if you get some air trapped under a filling or crown with nowhere to escape, it's real painful. As long you're healthy and as long as the cabin controller keeps the rate of change gentle you should never really have a problem. The pressure will equalize at a rate that you should hardly feel. It helps during the climb or descent to chew gum for example.

The air needs a place to go (in or out) so it can equalize the pressure in your body, thats the bottom line. This means it's very important to always keep your head outta yer ass...it's just another good reason to do so. ;)

... in response to uh well...., posted by LP on Aug 23, 2003

Thanks for another comprehensive answer. I was always puzzled about the change in cabin pressure since i had a notion that the plane was pressurized before takeoff and that pressure maintained throughout the flight. Well, i'm glad to hear that cabin air is not recirculated.

... in response to Great......., posted by Cold Warrior on Aug 24, 2003

[This message has been edited by LP]

...oops, I mean you're welcome.

If the air was recirced it would have to have all the C02, dust, ect removed from it. Also, the O2 content would have to be controlled. That would take a supply of oxygen, filters, and other kinds of gear. It would also mean the airframe would have to be completely sealed. Plus we'd have to keep reheating that air somehow.

Besides, if it was sealed and pressurized on the ground then the cabin pressure would increase dangerously as we climbed and the outside pressure got lower. Just like a balllon does as it goes higher in altitude. Ever seen them launch those big weather ballons? Notice how long and limp they are? They grow to a huge size once they reach altitude.

The way it's done solves all these problems and provides an open "hole" at all times to prevent over-pressurization. Thats why the Hollywood version of a bullet hole depressurizing a plane is nonsense, all that would happen is the outflow valve would close a little more. Now a hole as big as a window...that's a different story. (There are  also other reasons why the windows are small in pressurized aircraft.)

You might ask why not simply pressurize the cabin up to 14.7 psi (sea level) pressure so we all feel at home?  Simple: the structure would have to be stronger and that equals the biggest enemy is aircraft design: weight. There is no other engineering discipline that involves trade offs as does aircraft design. More weight means bigger engines which weigh more. It also means you need to carry more fuel for those bigger engines which leads to yet more weight...and maybe a bigger, heavier wing too. Where does it stop?

Also, a circular structure is weaker when loaded from the inside. For example, it takes a lot of force to crush a concrete pipe from the outside pushing in, but much less from the inside pushing out. It's basic engineering. People handle 8000 feet pretty well, some folks live in such altitudes all the time. Babies and drunks aren't fond of it though, try to avoid sitting near them...

So the cabin is maintained at what we set but it's not done by pressurizing it on the ground. It's done by piping bleed air into the cabin after takeoff and letting the outflow valve open or close as it sees fit to maintain the set pressure. So you see, cabin pressure is kept constant not by how much air gets pumped in, but by how much is allowed to leak out at any given time. In the old days when smoking was allowed on flights the outflow valve would get gunked up, I've seen some really nasty ones.

... in response to uh well...., posted by LP on Aug 23, 2003

n/t

... in response to Re: Re: Re: trip report part 5 - "G..., posted by RickM on Aug 21, 2003

As far as I am concerned this post is right on.  The more you know before you get there the better.  If things are great and continue great when you meet in person, so much the better............then and only after a long contact period and more than one meeting is it the right time to consider marriage.

... in response to Re: Re: trip report part 5 - "GEEEE..., posted by tbirdjoy on Aug 20, 2003

tbird says many of us who give advice or criticism have not made "the trip" and are somehow therefore unqualified to respond.  Well, I have made "the trip" at least 5 times and in several countries, and I have seen many interesting things and experiences happen.  But I don't always come back and post self-indulgent "trip reports."  Here's an example of an interesting thing among a million interesting things that you will normally not see a trip report about from me.  I was in Paris recently (a four day stop on my way to Moscow), and I was talking to the waiter in my hotel lobby bar who said Robin Williams and "Mrs. Doubtfire" were his favorite in American cinematic comedy.  My date, who I met earlier that day, and I laughed at his selection.  But then later that night we went to a cool and swanky neighborhood restaurant and sat right next to...that's right, you guessed it...Robin Williams!  I told Robin Williams the story of the French waiter and Robin Williams said "hey let me guess...the French waiter LOVED Mrs. Doubtfire...right?" and we all laughed and had a good time.  And then, a few days later, I was actually in a police militsia car in Moscow after my taxi was stopped late Saturday night-early Sunday morning just hours before my Sunday afternoon departure flight, telling the militisa, who was demanding a bribe that I would NOT pay anything (even knowing I had an important jury trial the following Monday morning here in Texas).  The militsia said I could go but my female companion, who they claimed did not have proper documents, would stay with them unless I paid the bribe.  I ended up paying a meager 17 USD and demanded that they take me to my hotel...which was hilarious...they were just like the keystone cops and they got lost on their way to the Marriott Grand Hotel (which is on one of the busiest streets in Moscow!) and went through barricades and through newly paved roadways soaked with oil just to get me and my girl to the hotel.  Oh, and I met LOTS of great other girls and had some fun.  So, there are always good and bad stories on every trip.  But the soap operatic gushings of "her hand brushed against my hand as we strolled down the Volga, and I knew then that she would be mine!" is just too over the top mushy and Harlequin Romance Novel for a bunch of real men to write about and read.  And when a guy DOES give this kind of an account of such a pathetic experience...it invites...no it demands, criticism.  Because every American like him who goes there and acts like a fool ruins it in someway somehow either directly or indirectly for the rest of us when we go.  He spent so many words telling us how his girl's actions showed that she was not interested in him, and yet he continued to pursue her and she made a fool of him and now he is doomed for relationship failure..again.  Through his words, he showed that she openly showed disdain toward him and that she even toyed with him like he was her "B" (female dog).  But he wants to believe a girl like that could fall for a guy like him so much just because he is American that he refuses to accept the facts and looks for reassurance from the "brotherhood of the board".  Well, as we say in Texas...he ain't gittin' any of that it here.    

So let's stop the "group hugs" and call a spade a spade, because actions speak louder than words.  The girl he describes does not like him and he is too blind to accept it, so he asks us for guidance.  The proper advise, which is to accept the fact that she does not like him and he should just salvage what's left of his trip and have some fun in Russia, is not uninvited advice or criticism.  He asked for it, and its just the reality which this guy will eventually have to face one way or another.

... in response to read your own words...SHE DOES NOT LIKE ..., posted by johnnydudeman on Aug 21, 2003

Good post Dude.

... in response to trip report part 5 , posted by genoramix on Aug 19, 2003

...What a classy guy, yet another fine example of the MOB male breed in action. How old are you anyway? Are you a genoramix or ignoramix?

You'd better stick to chocolate and watches cuz you sure don't know much about dealin with wimmin. (Are you sure you ain't from TX?)

Go home and see a priest...and quit playin the game until you learn the rulz.

... in response to She's weird?..., posted by LP on Aug 19, 2003

...or we're gonna round us up a real mean @ss posse and come lookin' for ya.

... in response to you'd better stop knocking Texas..., posted by johnnydudeman on Aug 21, 2003

....Based on your post below I'll turn myself in. In fact I'll ride with you. A dollar a day, coffee, beans...count me in. It won't be easy but we can hunt down all the pansies that've infested DFW...

You must've been born elsewhere cuz you make way too much sense. If not, maybe there's some hope for TX after all. Keep it up and I may have to elevate you folks to a level just below Californians. (lol, there's something to shoot for eh?)

Btw, I don't think the kid is a Yank. He said he was Swiss, but your point remains valid.

... in response to She's weird?..., posted by LP on Aug 19, 2003

the world with his immature experiences. I feel like I am reading something from a teenager...clueless!

... in response to I am glad someone has discouraged this g..., posted by jrm on Aug 20, 2003

if you are too goddamm stupid to waste your time reading stuff you know you wouldn't  be interested in i don't have any lesson to receive from you.

... in response to Re: I am glad someone has discouraged th..., posted by genoramix on Aug 21, 2003

n/t

... in response to I am glad someone has discouraged this g..., posted by jrm on Aug 20, 2003

that you find boring.

I am glad to see Genoramix's trip report. There have been far to few trip reports lately: I wonder if it's because people aren't going or because people don't want to open themselves up to comments like this.

I am thinking about making another trip myself and really appreciate reading what people think about various places to look.  I concentrate on those parts of the trip reports I find relevant to me, and don't pay much attention to the other parts.

... in response to She's weird?..., posted by LP on Aug 19, 2003

First i'm 28- 2nd you're right i don't know a lot about women, I'm not a casanova and so what? I've had only a few long lasting relationships.
Again i am there first for my vacations. The rest is secondary.

@nd i had maybe 5 dates with this girl before i tried to push the thing a little further. BAsically we have been flirting on 2 dates. WHat are your rules for that? in my book there aren't any, every individual is different. Moreover stimes i have feelings which prevent me to play by the rules. Even if i might act in a silly way I am not stupid and i know that except for a miracle this story certainly won't go anywhere. But so what? maybe she will reveal herself before i leave, maybe she is just very shy, or maybe she is just playing with me.(3rd option seems the most probable though)

I don't go there with any rules except the one to have the most of fun possible while always respecting the others.
If i can find my second half on the way, great. If not, no problem i still will have had a great time and i still will have improved my russian.

ANd please in what do i represent a fine example of the mob male in action?

and what the f**ck with "wimmin"?

At least even if english is not my language i still know how to write properly. and no i'm not from TX

Gosh i even sent you flowers in one of my posts for your insightful posts about this business...But you cannot always do your best isn't it?

Peace anyway

... in response to yeah, what rules?, posted by genoramix on Aug 20, 2003

...Had a bad day, shouldn't have been so hard on you. It was impulsive. I tried to retract the post soon after but it was too close to midnight.

Your approach demonstrates a lack of experience, of common sense. You're more than "sily", you're a pushover...someone not in control around women. This is what I meant by the rules and being a fine example. Nor do most care if you got laid or scored a few smooches. Is that your criterion for a trip report?

Respecting others? You call telling a bunch of strangers you nailed a girl respectful of her? And are you as foul mouthed around women? And what is with all the boozing? You act like a kid, so far you strike me as not much different than the FSU guys these girls reject.

If you suspect she is just playing with you why do you continue? More important, why would you confess that and still do nothing? Move on. You need to excercise more discretion, if not around women than with your need to reveal to others just how much inexperience you have.

If you're only out to play...fine. They'll soon be a distant memory. But if you're looking for a wife try take it a little more seriously because this is serious stuff. Or do you want a ton of hurt in your future? Exhibit confidence and control around these women and quit with (by your own addmision) the 14 year old stuff. You're no match for them, an FSU girl (especially a young one) will sucker a guy like you in a heartbeat.

Thanks for the flowers. And no, I can't always do my best...but I can do better than dissolving into a pile of goo around a pretty face.

... in response to Sorry...., posted by LP on Aug 20, 2003

no first i didn't nailed her if you read my post. we just slept together.
Second this is a trip report. What are trip reports for if it's not to have some feedback about what you're doing?
And i don't feel it's disrespect to tell a bunch of stanger what i have done. She won't never read this list anyway.

As for the boozing : how did you act when you were 28 and on vacations? if people drink i drink with them. I usually almost never drink, just in Russia i have a tendency to drink like a russian if i drink with russians.

And else it's  more than a pretty face. I have met a lot of pretty faces there but still i have liked her a lot from our frist meeting. I like her for her pretty face but mostly for what she is (or represents) for me. She is sincere, really family oriented and i think we have a lot in common.

Now after meeting her again and clearing things up a lil more i know she is not playing with me. She is sincere but just doesn't know what she wants. I guess she just wants to engage in a long distance stuff only if she is sure it will lead somewhere.

Is that a red flag? in my book no. Even the opposite. I've met lots of pretty faces who did me the oh i like you so much stuff but you feel there is not more to it. Some people need time to love the other one and sadly long distance stuff just don't allow that. But i feel she is one of these girls who is not ready for a commitment if she doesn't feel like it's the real thing. I've tried to put me in her shoes and actually i'd do the same if i was.

In my book love is supposed to grow. not fade. It'a little seed you plant and then it develops..i cannot ask her to love me after 7 dates or should i?
And honestly now i feel the situation is improving at each meeting.

A for dissolving into a pile of goo as i said she is not just a pretty face, there is more to it. Second i think i made it clear tonight for her that i have my limits and even though i can seem like the guy you can do anything to i'm far from being stupid.

Remember you judge people only by what they are posting. I wrote mostly about the bad stuff in her because i was wondering about it. But i didn't tell everything about the positive. I don't need explanation for that.

But still when leaving i'll have the right idea if i should pursue it not.

and sorry for my english but what is a pushover?

... in response to Re: Sorry...., posted by genoramix on Aug 20, 2003

[This message has been edited by LP]

Well, assuming you can hear me over the background noise of the big flys (you know, the ones that are drawn to TX sized horsesheet) I'll respond:

...no first i didn't nailed her if you read my post. we just slept together....

How sweet. Pardon *my* English but in these parts "slept together" means you bumped uglies with her.

...Second this is a trip report. What are trip reports for if it's not to have some feedback about what you're doing?...

You're getting feedback. Did you expect only peaches and cream?

...And i don't feel it's disrespect to tell a bunch of stanger what i have done. She won't never read this list anyway...

Uh...just because you're getting away with it doesn't make it right. It's a bad start. Besides, your business is your's, not some yahoos on a internet BB.

...As for the boozing : how did you act when you were 28 and on vacations? if people drink i drink with them...

When I was 28 I already had a wife and two kids and was more focused on career. Guess I was more serious than most. Thus far, I've never seen any reason to have another wife and so far I'm glad. I would have missed out on lots TLC delivered by women who were more than happy to share my life without all the legal consequences. A good thing too. If you want really kids then fine, otherwise you're short changing yourself by marrying at 28.

Btw, when I was 28 I was putting people in jail for excessive public drinking. (It was crime back then.) If I got faced on vacation I had to be sure it was far away and I couldn't get caught or I'd be out of a job.
It's the same now except I'd be out of a job *and* be the one going to jail.

I admit it's tough not do in Rome as the Romans do but there is a place for it. With her family it's ok. Out and about, why do it? Try to always show them you're not like the local male talent, especially with booze...it's a cancer on their culture. They prefer mature men, men with confidence and in control. From what I've seen thats a rarity in MOB circles. Don't be like the locals, they can get one of them anytime.

...And else it's more than a pretty face. I have met a lot of pretty faces there but still i have liked her a lot from our frist meeting. I like her for her pretty face but mostly for what she is (or represents) for me. She is sincere, really family oriented and i think we have a lot in common...

Ok, fair nuff. But from your previous posts she seems less sincere than you might be assuming. There are many fish in the FSU sea, wasting too much time on one who's not sure what she wants is for desperados.

...Now after meeting her again and clearing things up a lil more i know she is not playing with me. She is sincere but just doesn't know what she wants. I guess she just wants to engage in a long distance stuff only if she is sure it will lead somewhere...

Better be sure or you'll waste lots of time and money. I applaud taking time but not having it wasted. If she's not sure "what she wants" now you'd better get it figured out for yourself. Remember, tt's what *you* want that matters.

...As for dissolving into a pile of goo as i said she is not just a pretty face, there is more to it. Second i think i made it clear tonight for her that i have my limits and even though i can seem like the guy you can do anything to i'm far from being stupid....

Remember that many relations have a meteoric rise and burn out just as quickly. And if you're not stupid don't act stupid...stupid is as stupid does.

...Remember you judge people only by what they are posting....

Jeesh Kreskin, I'll try to keep that in mind. ;)

...I wrote mostly about the bad stuff in her because i was wondering about it. But i didn't tell everything about the positive. I don't need explanation for that...

Yes, you do need explanations for good behavior. *Especially* for that. Do you think some FSU women are such good manipulaters because they use bad behavior? No one here can help you make decisions. Follow your head, mostly forget your heart...and leave the rest in your pants unless you simply can't help it. There are millions of people who were once where you are now and most of them are divorced. I bet 90% of the guys looking for FSU girls have had at least one divorce. Many of them have had two or more. Funny how they always seem to blame it on the women huh?.

...and sorry for my english but what is a pushover?...

Letting *them* be in control of *your* situation. Doing what's best for her and not you. Letting your emotions overule your intellect. Also, see the part above about about not being able to help keep it in your pants.

... in response to Re: Re: Sorry...., posted by LP on Aug 20, 2003

totally agree. I was f**ing stupid, after this afternoon i can pretty much see it.

No improvement anymore from her part, not attentioned like i would have to but i still think she is hesitating.

In any case she is not for me...after the talk we had last night her attitude today was inexcusable, the worse is that i think she didn't even realise it.

So this is the end of my silly actions, the head is in control again.

and now that i think of it, even if we had quite some fun together it was a waste of time...if only we had spoken russian it would have been really valuable.

Thus i wasn't wrong she is sincere. Just not for me.

... in response to Re: Re: Re: Sorry...., posted by genoramix on Aug 21, 2003

...In a month or two you won't even recall her name and when you find a good one you'll be grateful this happened. Most people learn from bad experiences but you can learn as much from the bullets you dodge as the ones you take.

But I'm sorry it went sour. Fwiw, being right in such cases doesn't make me feel any better.
I only want guys to protect themselves during a time when it's not easy to do. You need to be suspisious because deep down we're all afraid. It's the human condition.

I've been in a few deals where I was amazed at how quickly they burned out after seeming so "right" in the beginning. No matter how taken I initially am with a particular woman I always keep that in mind. It's all about knowing people and that makes it a special curse in MOB relations. The odds are against us everytime we meet someone new. After all, if it was easy to find a good mate we'd have all done it much sooner. And even when you do, it's still a crap shoot...

You'll learn more as you go. The Zinkman is correct: for most of us, good judgment is the product of bad experience. He's around your age and is pretty savvy so youth is not the impediment it appears to be. It's a concentrated desire to think, observe, and learn that makes the difference. (lol, having said that I'll gladly trade you most of my experience for just a little of your youth. ;)

Good luck...

... in response to Don't sweat it..., posted by LP on Aug 21, 2003

Right on...I have to agree with you 100%...The odds are really against this whole idea and I think the younger the lady the more the bad odds increases....

Just ask over and over again to a "young" lady your writing what her family and friends think about this whole episode of you coming to her to meet and spend some time with her (and by the way...AND ASK HER...can she imagine what it's going to feel like waking up together in the mornings together...??? "put perfectly in a letter")....Letter after letter...The questions will go un-answered as if they were not even asked in the letter...TRY IT....And you will travel HOW FAR to meet her???...For HOW LONG???...Pazhauiste!!!! She's has to come up with a REAL conversation and real answers to make a trip even THOUGHT ABOUT....

...I AGREE 1,000,000% ;)...

... in response to Re: Re: Re: Sorry...., posted by genoramix on Aug 21, 2003

If you enjoyed your time together and learned something then it wasn't a waste. Experience is what we gain when things don't work out the way we wanted. 3 years ago I was like you. Except that I fell madly in love and spent a lot of time and money chasing a woman that was alternating between very passionate and very distant. The distant side of her finally won. It was a bad experience but I wouldn't trade it because it taught me a lot of things about myself, women and Russia. Bad times are merely steps designed to smarten us up and point us in a better direction.

... in response to Re: Re: Sorry...., posted by LP on Aug 20, 2003

The amazing Kreskin, huh?  Hadn't thought about him in quite a while.  I had to double check, but his tv show was in the early '70ies.  I geuss we are both showing our ages!

... in response to Re: Re: Sorry...., posted by LP on Aug 20, 2003

ROFLMAO!

... in response to yeah, what rules?, posted by genoramix on Aug 20, 2003

Patrick,

Don't let little LP mess with your head, he's the longest lasting member on the board and still single. And about his rules, they are great I have read his many post some great advice "sometimes" but with an attitude! This is just him, I guess being ALONE will make you have an attitude like a child..Like I said he is a GREAT writer, and he knows everything about woman. I would bet he has a how to book somewhere, "How to act like a man, when your really a wuss, authors personal experiences".

I think people here don't understand why you went to Russia just for vacation, it's a nice place, BUT there are many nicer for less money. I think this is why you are getting flamed. Don't listen to everyone, follow your heart and have a great time, do this for all things in your life, and let the little LP's stay just that, little and alone!!!

Have a GREAT Day
Tom, and yes I am from TX and dam? Proud of it!!!! (Only state in the union you can fly the state flag on same level as the US flag) Another world!!!

... in response to Re: yeah, what rules?, posted by TomTx on Aug 20, 2003

[This message has been edited by LP]

...I'm alone? Uh, ok, if you say so. And if by single you mean not married than yes...and proud of it. Beats being stuck with the same old cow for years, the one I didn't have to fetch all the way from the back forty. Lemme know the *next* time yer in divorce court and I'll offer you some pointers, assuming you have anything left to pay for it. "Follow your heart"....how quaint. The dogma of the desperado. Say, isn't that how you choose your ex-wife?

Anyone can be pussied into the corral, especially when they're desperate enough. (What was your excuse?) Just like all them cattle you have done there. It's what happens when there are no bulls around, just shows what kinda men they artificially breed down yonder eh? Course, we have already George Dubya for that.

lol, you have a great day now ya hear?

... in response to Hey partner...., posted by LP on Aug 20, 2003

I can always expect a great come back from you  LP, and I am sure you are right about some of those "Good ole COWboys" around these parts. Not to many around here any-who..
Yes my ex-wife, you might not beleive it but she pays me, yes I speak the truth. I have my son since he was 2.5, he 9 now.
Yes I made a mistake the 1st time, when I was 33. Won't happen again, I can drop kick-em with rest of the guys that learned the hard way, and I have, one from Ukraine 6 months back, Don;t tolerate playing games, it cost to much.
Thanks for the good reply, it's fun to have fun
Later
Tom

... in response to She's weird?..., posted by LP on Aug 19, 2003

Some of us need all the help we can get!

... in response to trip report part 5 , posted by genoramix on Aug 19, 2003

[This message has been edited by vagn]

You want to test her?
I would say the head games are your own invention.

Why not relax and see how things develop?
If you want something, speak up.
If something bothers you, speak up.
If you have what you want and nothing bothers you,
be happy.

Did you meet anyone there that you could
converse with freely, without a significant
language barrier?

Also, why all the drinking?

... in response to trip report part 5 , posted by genoramix on Aug 19, 2003

I had 3 trips to Volgograd dealing with a girl like you described. Maybe it's the water there? Bottom line is not all Russia women behave that way. If you don't want to play head games move on and find someone different. There are many very nice, relatively stable ladies over there. In my opinion if your highest priority is her looks you'll run into more problems. And one thing about every Russian I know is that they are very private. They all totally hate it if you talk about them with other people. What goes on between you and the girls is usually best kept between you and the girls. If your ladies knew what you wrote here chances are you'd be in big trouble for it. The best test I've found is lots of time spent together in different situations. That's the only way you'll get a decent understanding of her. And sometimes that doesn't work either. There are no quick tricks to learning all about a woman.

... in response to Re: trip report part 5 , posted by Zink on Aug 19, 2003

good post thx

... in response to Re: trip report part 5 , posted by Zink on Aug 19, 2003

You sound kinda lost with your feelings and appear to be a little desperate chasing after this one.

You really, really do need to get a huge list together of all the ladies in that city and surrounding areas (whether it be via the internet or post your self ad in the many newspapers).

It just seems you wasting alot of valueable time.

Having fun is all and well.   But I, myself would like to be coming face to face with many women and not less than a handful.

Right now, your down to 1 day left.

Why don't you go down to the local market and check out the flower girls, while your at it tell me if they have any hydroponic tomatos and how much they are for 1 or 2 ?

I sell mine for about $1.50 lbs. or about .75ea.

Just curious.